Patents by Inventor Douglas W. Luther

Douglas W. Luther has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8933159
    Abstract: Described are a particular group of novel aromatic hydrocarbon telomers that, on bromination, result in the formation of novel flame retardants having a uniquely beneficial combination of properties. The resultant flame retardants and uses thereof are also described. The disclosure includes descriptions of methods for preparing both the aromatic hydrocarbon telomers and the brominated flame retardant polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Albemarle Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Layman, Jr., Charles H. Kolich, Arthur G. Mack, Jonathan P. McCarney, Govindarajulu Kumar, Jorge Morice, Zhongxin Ge, Bo Liu, Douglas W. Luther, Kimberly M. White, Bruce C. Berris, Junzuo Wang
  • Patent number: 8753554
    Abstract: Novel polymer compositions of specified formula are converted into pellets of this invention by process technology provided by this invention. By forming a binder free melt of a polymer of such polymer compositions, and converting the melt into pellets as described here-in, pellets can be formed produce during production, handling, and use, no more than acceptably small amounts of “fines” or air-entrainable dusts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Albemarle Corporation
    Inventors: Govindarajulu Kumar, William J. Layman, Jr., Bo Liu, Douglas W. Luther, Arthur G. Mack
  • Patent number: 8476373
    Abstract: New branched or star-branched styrene polymeric, telomeric, and monomeric product distributions, their preparation, their use as raw materials for bromination to produce flame retardants, the flame retardants themselves, and their use as flame retardants in various polymeric substrates are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Albemarle Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Layman, Jr., Charles H. Kolich, Arthur G. Mack, Jonathan P. McCarney, Govindarajulu Kumar, Jorge Morice, Zhongxin Ge, Bo Liu, Douglas W. Luther, Kimberly M. White, Junzuo Wang, Ravindra R. Joshi, Hoover B. Chew
  • Patent number: 8450429
    Abstract: Brominated styrenic polymer is recovered from solution in a vaporizable solvent by converting the solution in a devolatilization extruder into a brominated styrenic polymer melt or flow and a separate vapor phase comprised predominately of vaporizable solvent, recovering the melt or flow from the devolatilization extruder, and allowing or causing the melt or flow to solidify. The solidified brominated styrenic polymer can be subdivided into a powder or pelletized form. Pellets so made have improved hardness and/or crush strength properties along with reduced formation of fines. Brominated anionic styrenic polymer is preferably used in the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Ablemarle Corporation
    Inventors: Charles H. Kolich, John F. Balhoff, Douglas W. Luther, Robert C. Herndon, Ronny W. Lin, Bruce C. Peters, Arthur G. Mack, David A. Lee
  • Publication number: 20130012663
    Abstract: Brominated styrenic polymer is recovered from solution in a vaporizable solvent by converting the solution in a devolatilization extruder into a brominated styrenic polymer melt or flow and a separate vapor phase comprised predominately of vaporizable solvent, recovering the melt or flow from the devolatilization extruder, and allowing or causing the melt or flow to solidify. The solidified brominated styrenic polymer can be subdivided into a powder or pelletized form. Pellets so made have improved hardness and/or crush strength properties along with reduced formation of fines. Brominated anionic styrenic polymer is preferably used in the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: ALBEMARLE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Charles H. Kolich, John F. Balhoff, Douglas W. Luther, Robert C. Herndon, JR., Ronny W. Linn, Bruce C. Peters, Arthur G. Mack, David A. Lee
  • Patent number: 8350074
    Abstract: The present invention relates to low triphenyl phosphate, high phosphorous content aryl phosphates with high ortho alkylation that are suitable for use as flame retardant compositions, processes for their preparation, and their use as flame retardants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Albemarle Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Layman, Arthur G. Mack, Techen Tsao, Jeffrey Todd Aplin, Hoover Chew, Douglas W. Luther
  • Patent number: 8273831
    Abstract: Brominated styrenic polymer is recovered from solution in a vaporizable solvent by converting the solution in a devolatilization extruder into a brominated styrenic polymer melt or flow and a separate vapor phase comprised predominately of vaporizable solvent, recovering the melt or flow from the devolatilization extruder, and allowing or causing the melt or flow to solidify. The solidified brominated styrenic polymer can be subdivided into a powder or pelletized form. Pellets so made have improved hardness and/or crush strength properties along with reduced formation of fines. Brominated anionic styrenic polymer is preferably used in the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Albemarle Corporation
    Inventors: Charles H. Kolich, John F. Balhoff, Douglas W. Luther, Robert C. Herndon, Jr., Ronny W. Lin, Bruce C. Peters, Arthur G. Mack, David A. Lee
  • Patent number: 8143433
    Abstract: The present invention relates to low triphenyl phosphate, high phosphorous content aryl phosphates with high ortho alkylation that are suitable for use as flame retardant compositions, processes for their preparation, and their use as flame retardants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Albemarle Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Layman, Jr., Arthur G. Mack, Techen Tsao, Jeffrey Todd Aplin, Hoover Chew, Douglas W. Luther
  • Publication number: 20120041115
    Abstract: Novel polymer compositions of specified formula are converted into pellets of this invention by process technology provided by this invention. By forming a melt blend of a polymer of such polymer compositions together with a modest amount of at least one thermoplastic polymer of at least one monoolefmic monomer having 2-12 carbon atoms per molecule, and converting the melt blend into pellets as described herein, pellets can be formed produce during production, handling, and use, almost no “fines” or air-entrainable dusts. The pellets have an array of additional superior properties and characteristics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: ALBEMARLE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Govindarajulu Kumar, Arthur G. Mack, Bo Liu, William J. Layman, Jr., Douglas W. Luther
  • Publication number: 20120035401
    Abstract: Novel polymer compositions of specified formula are converted into pellets of this invention by process technology provided by this invention. By forming a binder free melt of a polymer of such polymer compositions, and converting the melt into pellets as described here-in, pellets can be formed produce during production, handling, and use, no more than acceptably small amounts of “fines” or air-entrainable dusts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: ALBEMARLE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Govindarajulu Kumar, William J. Layman, JR., Bo Liu, Douglas W. Luther, Arthur G. Mack
  • Publication number: 20120004438
    Abstract: The present invention relates to low triphenyl phosphate, high phosphorous content aryl phosphates with high ortho alkylation that are suitable for use as flame retardant compositions, processes for their preparation, and their use as flame retardants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: Albemarle Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Layman, Arthur G. Mack, Techen Tsao, Jeffrey Todd Aplin, Hoover Chew, Douglas W. Luther
  • Patent number: 8067088
    Abstract: Despite the frangibility of additive-free granules of brominated anionic styrenic polymer, pellets of unadulterated brominated anionic styrenic polymer are provided having 50 wt % or more bromine content, in which 70 wt % or more of the pellets are retained on a US No. 40 sieve and no more than 30 wt % are retained on a US No. 5 sieve. These pellets contain no binding agent and they do not break apart or revert to small particles and finely divided powder, typically called “fines” when subjected to ordinary handling. More specifically, no more than about 5 wt %, preferably no more than about 3 wt %, and more preferably no more than about 1 wt % of these pellets as formed and packaged are fines or dusts that can pass through a US No. 40 sieve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Albemarle Corporation
    Inventor: Douglas W. Luther
  • Publication number: 20110224320
    Abstract: New branched or star-branched styrene polymeric, telomeric, and monomeric product distributions, their preparation, their use as raw materials for bromination to produce flame retardants, the flame retardants themselves, and their use as flame retardants in various polymeric substrates are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: ALBEMARLE CORPORATION
    Inventors: William J. Layman, JR., Charles H. Kolich, Arthur G. Mack, Jonathan P. McCarney, Govindarajulu Kumar, Junzuo Wang, Jorge Morice, Zhongxin Ge, Bo Liu, Ravindra R. Joshi, Hoover B. Chew, Douglas W. Luther, Kimberly M. White
  • Publication number: 20110224353
    Abstract: Described are a particular group of novel aromatic hydrocarbon telomers that, on bromination, result in the formation of novel flame retardants having a uniquely beneficial combination of properties. The resultant flame retardants and uses thereof are also described. The disclosure includes descriptions of methods for preparing both the aromatic hydrocarbon telomers and the brominated flame retardant polymers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: ALBEMARLE CORPORATION
    Inventors: William J. Layman Jr., Charles H. Kolich, Arthur G. Mack, Jonathan P. McCarney, Govindarajulu Kumar, Junzuo Wang, Jorge Morice, Zhongxin Ge, Bo Liu, Douglas W. Luther, Kimberly M. White, Bruce C. Berris
  • Publication number: 20100130654
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of low triphenyl phosphate, high phosphorous content aryl phosphates with high ortho alkylation as flame retardant compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: Albemarie Corporation
    Inventors: WILLIAM J. Layman, JR., Arthur G. Mack, Techen Tsao, Jeffrey T. Aplin, Douglas W. Luther
  • Publication number: 20100047577
    Abstract: Granules/pastilles of unadulterated brominated anionic styrenic polymer are prepared and provided. They are made by forming a downward plug flow from an orifice in a manifold or nozzle in proximity to a cooled traveling planar member. Such member is impervious to cooling liquid. There is a gap between the lower end of the orifice and the planar member. A portion of a plug of the molten polymer either (i) bridges such gap or (ii) freely drops from the orifice and falls upon the planar member, in either case forming an individual granule/pastille on the planar member and solidifies thereon. The traveling member is cooled by a mist or spray of cooling liquid applied to the underside of the planar member. The granules/pastilles have superior properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: ALBEMARLE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Douglas W. Luther, John F. Balhoff, Robert C. Herndon, JR., Bruce C. Peters
  • Patent number: 7666944
    Abstract: A fiber or filament which is formed from ingredients comprising (a) at least one fiber-forming thermoplastic polymer and (b) at least one polybrominated anionic styrenic polymer is provided. The polybrominated anionic styrenic polymer has a bromine content of at least about 50 wt %, and a GPC weight average molecular weight in the range of about 5000 to about 40,000, or a GPC weight average molecular weight of at least about 600,000. When the fiber-forming thermoplastic polymer is a polyester, the polybrominated anionic styrenic polymer is present in a flame resistant or flame retardant amount. When the fiber-forming thermoplastic polymer is a polyamide, the polybrominated anionic styrenic polymer is at least about 2 wt % of the fiber or filament. When the fiber-forming thermoplastic polymer is a polyolefin, at least one synergist is present and the polybrominated anionic styrenic polymer is no more than about 15 wt % of the fiber or filament.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Albemarle Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel A. De Schryver, Jon Shannon Reed, Douglas W. Luther, Samuel G. Thomas, Jr., Arthur G. Mack
  • Publication number: 20100012906
    Abstract: The present invention relates to low triphenyl phosphate, high phosphorous content aryl phosphates with high orthoalkylation that are suitable for use as flame retardant compositions, processes for their preparation, and their use as flame retardants.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: Albemarle Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Layman, JR., Arthur G. Mack, Techen Tsao, Jeffrey Todd Aplin, Hoover Chew, Douglas W. Luther
  • Publication number: 20090299012
    Abstract: Despite the frangibility of additive-free granules of brominated anionic styrenic polymer, it has been found possible by use of special mechanical processing to provide pellets of unadulterated brominated anionic styrenic polymer having a bromine content of at least about 50 wt % and in which at least about 70 wt % (preferably at least about 75 wt %) of the pellets are retained on a standard US No. 40 sieve and no more than about 30 wt % (preferably no more than about 25 wt %) are retained on a standard US No. 5 sieve. In preferred embodiments such pelletized anionic styrenic polymer is brominated anionic polystyrene having a bromine content of at least about 67 wt %, e.g., in the range of about 67 to about 71 wt %. Also preferred are pelletized brominated anionic styrenic polymers in which the melt flow index (ASTM D 1238-99) at 220° C., 2.16 kg is at least 4 g/10 min and preferably is at least 5 g/10 min.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: ALBEMARLE CORPORATION
    Inventor: Douglas W. LUTHER
  • Publication number: 20090233097
    Abstract: Brominated styrenic polymer is recovered from solution in a vaporizable solvent by converting the solution in a devolatilization extruder into a brominated styrenic polymer melt or flow and a separate vapor phase comprised predominately of vaporizable solvent, recovering the melt or flow from the devolatilization extruder, and allowing or causing the melt or flow to solidify. The solidified brominated styrenic polymer can be subdivided into a powder or pelletized form. Pellets so made have improved hardness and/or crush strength properties along with reduced formation of fines. Brominated anionic styrenic polymer is preferably used in the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: ALBEMARLE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Charles H. Kolich, John F. Balhoff, Douglas W. Luther, Robert C. Herndon, JR., Ronny W. Lin, Bruce C. Peters, Arthur G. Mack, David A. Lee